JACKSON – Our partnership with AWARE Inc. promotes social change by empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence. That work includes helping survivors who face financial challenges. Here’s an example:
A survivor staying in AWARE’s Jackson shelter received a housing choice voucher for subsidized housing. She successfully located an apartment with the help of AWARE. While conducting a credit check, the AWARE team found that she had an old utility bill of $2,500 from another state that wasn’t paid. That created a barrier, as the property manager wouldn’t allow her to move in nor hold the unit until she paid that bill.
The survivor didn’t have the money to pay that charge, so she contacted the collection agency to negotiate a settlement. When that effort failed, AWARE stepped in on her behalf. AWARE’s effort helped whittle down the settlement to $1,000, which the survivor and the agency paid off together. She kept the apartment and moved in shortly after.
Advocacy played a vital role in helping this survivor of violence begin to rebuild her life. That’s a powerful example of how supporting United Way can strengthen partnerships that change lives.
Learn more about AWARE Inc. at awareshelter.org. You can be part of transforming our community by supporting United Way here.
Editor’s Note: Connection Corner is a series that connects our communities with people and programs. Connection Corner will highlight programs from Jackson, Capital Area, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo on Tuesdays throughout the year.